Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
ELI HAGEMAN
I know what you're gonna say... "Eli, why on earth did you curve Rise Of Skywalker for this!" and I have an answer for you...because Rise Of Skywalker comes out RIGHT before the due date. But don't worry because I'll do the review for that January.
So, for those of you who haven't seen Force Awakens or don't even know what Star Wars is, then I'll explain it to you. The Force Awakens introduces us to a new story in the Star Wars franchise in which the main character of this franchise is established: Rey. The main plot of this movie is that a droid, BB-8, is carrying a digital holographic map (It's Star Wars, what did you expect?) that leads a map to Luke Skywalker (it's not really a spoiler because that's basically the main focus on this film besides the war between the First Order and the Resistance). BUT the problem is both the First Order and the Resistance are looking for this droid so that's where Rey comes in and goes on this adventure with Han Solo (again, this isn't a spoiler because he literally shows up in the trailer) and Finn, a Resistance soldier, to bring BB-8 to the Resistance. BUT Kylo Ren, the villian, doesn't make this easy and does everything he can to prevent the Resistance from getting that droid.
This movie was really good at entertaining the fans and giving them what they want-a start to a new star wars trilogy. The action is amazing and the battles are directed and beautifuly shot really well (especially the atmosphere and the backrounds are really unforgettable). The soundtrack is new and amazing, the orchestra does a great job of giving the movie a set of amazing music and it makes the scenes more cool and more star warsy. I can't really say much about the actors, I thought all of them were great (even the ones who had small roles) and I did not scope out one terrible performance. The special effects are great and I think that's why people go to these movies because they always stun us with amazing visuals and realistic looking action sequences and I'm really proud of them for keeping this franchise alive and rewatchable. I guess maybe the only complaint I have with this film is that I didn't seem to get that much of a backstory for Rey (I mean yeah there might be one flashback sequence showing us he past but...that's basically all we get) and other people may differ but in my opinion I found Rey's backstory vague in this movie, not really detailed, so if your looking for more of Rey's backstory I suggest watching The Last Jedi (it's boring but at least it gives us more backstory for everything that was explained to you in The Force Awakens. I think Star Wars will really enjoy this movie and appreciate it for it's action, soundtrack, acting, and special effects and If your ever feeling down because The Last Jedi failed, always remember that The Force Awakens will always be with you to pat your back and show empathy for you.
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(this is just my opinion if you want to check it out then go ahead)
David Astin
What’s the Plot?
In Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly, a 12-year-old girl by the name of Iris lives through her already unique and challenging life, mostly due to her lack of hearing, in addition to her own personal conflicts.
Though upon catching wind of news about a blue whale who's song is so off-pitch it had since become unrecognizable to other whales of his kind, she immediately becomes obsessed.
To be exact, more than obsessed. Even going to the point of breaking both school and family rules alike to meet this oddity of a creature.
As one would expect, she understands the horrible and confusing feeling of being misunderstood. Being a deaf kid in an increasingly loud and hearing world, she knows the place of being the outsider all too well. It seems like everyone is doing something to stop her, to hold her back from accepting herself in her eyes.
Despite all this, she shows the bravery and determination to reach out and comfort another so-called misfit from another life, to tell them that there are others who understand the feeling of being lonely while surrounded by people, even if she is different in so many ways.
Worth the Read?
This book showcases an extremely unique, yet intriguing method of storytelling, utilizing the interesting exploration of the possibilities of not only the complex communication between different species, but also the more basic tone of true understanding between one another in a community. In Song for a Whale, there is almost always a slight undertone woven within the events occurring at the time, following the same yearning and longing of one to feel like they belong. This book seems to always be searching for that essence of belonging, the ability to be understood and to understand.
Upon looking at the characters, this element shines through. To show, despite her disability, Iris finds a variety of ways to get her thoughts out. She speaks in sign language, she fixes old and broken down radios until they play their long since forgotten tune, and makes sign-language poetry of sorts with her grandparents, as they use the shape of their hands to bring out the hidden shape of the poem.
Though even through all this, she begins to again feel left out from the vast world surrounding her, especially as it becomes increasingly sound-driven. Iris feels as if she is helpless, as she relies on an interpreter, her family, or just those around her to explain what she can’t hear and understand on her own. This strong, interwoven theme of being misunderstood and desire to no longer be alone really creates quite the enriching experience for the reader.
After personally reading Song for a Whale, and really experiencing it for myself, I do believe and see examples of true poetry and impressive writing within it. The use and exploration of metaphors is well developed, with one example being that of both Iris and the whale being so-called “outliers and oddities” of the school, both from Iris’s hearing school of humans, and the whale’s school of confused sea life.
While there may be the occasional repetitive feeling from the many obsessive statements made by the characters, the general themes and storyline vastly outweigh it, instead enhancing the story. There are key points of the plot where so much time is spent building them up and developing them, but are simply dropped and seemingly cast aside, making the reader wonder why one would put so much time and effort into something, if only to let it go so fast. It is the inclusion of these touching and questioning moments and experiences throughout the text that really bring out the exquisite design and well-crafted ideas and thoughts that went into the writing of this book, as well as how the wonderfully planned out story ties it all together in such a positive way.
In my eyes, this book is greatly underrated, and I highly suggest that it be open for all audiences to pick up and give it a try. The truly amazing techniques used are unmatched in some moments, and the story itself is wondrous. It truly is a heartwarming story about the miracle of communication, where many people can finally be understood, all thanks to a deaf girl was willing to keep fighting and push forward, not scared to take risks.
What You Need to Know
Before picking this book up during your next stop at the library, or just finding a way to read it on your own, there are a couple of things you should first note.
To begin, would be a simple summary. Song for a Whale is the motivational story of a 12-year-old deaf girl, who happens to find herself endlessly determined to communicate with a whale who’s having its own troubles communicating amongst others of it species. It also brushes over various topics, some of which readers may or may not relate with in their personal lives, though they are important and valuable subjects nonetheless. It touches on the loss of a grandparent, feeling out of place due to physical challenges, and even breaking some rules in order to reach a personal goal, if deemed important enough. It forms an almost celebratory relationship with deaf abilities, and the willingness some must showcase to assist and connect the natural world, in addition to the risks they might take to get there.
Iris may come off as unforgiving--as shown with a girl who attempts to sign with her and fails--yet she truly shows the complex ability to forgive others, for example her father, even if those people aren’t willing or able to do certain things to help her. The entirety of the book is phenomenally written and composed, with many highly valued themes and topics brought together into this unique experience for all who read it.